Sexual Assault Victimization and Alcohol Use Outcomes: The Roles of First-Generation College Student Status and Economic Adversity Within a United States University

Abstract

First-generation college students and students experiencing economic adversity encounter unique challenges during college relative to their peers, yet little research has focused on their experience with alcohol and sexual assault. The primary study objectives were to examine differences in college sexual assault victimization, alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related consequences by adversity status (first-generation college student, financial need) and how adversity may moderate the association between college sexual assault victimization and alcohol outcomes. Students (N = 2,785; 64.6% female) enrolled at a United States university of approximately 17,500 enrolled students completed a Student Health Survey in 2021 that assessed demographics, college sexual assault victimization, alcohol consumption patterns, and alcohol-related consequences. Institutional data on first-generation college status, financial need (via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and Pell eligibility (those demonstrating exceptional financial need) status were merged with student responses. First-generation college students and students with high financial need reported less alcohol consumption than continuing-generation college students and those with lower levels of financial need. Pell-eligible students who identified as women reported more severe sexual assault victimization, including attempted and completed rape, than non-Pell-eligible students who identified as women. For students with high financial need, the sexual assault severity and alcohol-related consequences association was stronger than for those with lower need level. Students with high financial need may benefit from tailored sexual assault and alcohol prevention. Future research with student populations primarily comprised of first-generation college students or students from economically exploited communities is needed.

Keywords

sexual assault alcohol use first-generation college students socioeconomic status

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